Project Sanctuary's greatest strength is our dedicated staff, who are the driving force behind our amazing therapeutic retreats and family support program. That's why we are so pleased to continue our Staff Spotlight series, highlighting the incredible team members who are serving our military families day in and day out.
Today, we will be highlighting Patty Sandoval, Family Engagment & Evaluation Manager, and Active Duty Navy military spouse.
Tell us a bit about your role at Project Sanctuary:
I serve as the Family Engagement and Evaluation Manager with Project Sanctuary. I’m the first point of contact for families that apply to one of our therapeutic retreats. I also assist with post-retreat survey collection and ensuring that all the data stored in our database is valid and can be used for future funding purposes.
What led you to working with Project Sanctuary:
The mission. As a military spouse to an Active-Duty service member, and a sister to two retired veterans, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact military life can have on the well-being of families, as well as service members. To work for an organization that serves the entire military family has been a blessing both personally and professionally.
What is your most meaningful moment with Project Sanctuary?
Having the ability to attend a family retreat over the summer. During closing reflections on the last night, I was in tears listening to the families describe the impact that the retreat had on them. It was great to meet the families that I had spoken with prior to the retreat, and being able to interact with and see the growth that was made throughout the week is indescribable.
Anything else you'd like to share with our readers:
I truly enjoy working for Project Sanctuary! I’ve been wanting to make the transition from clinical research to the nonprofit sector for quite some time now. I have a Master of Public Health degree, and being a military spouse has made it difficult to maintain a career through PCS’s and deployments. In the past nine years, we’ve moved 6 times, and my husband is currently serving overseas. Having a position where I can be open about being a military spouse, be supported by my colleagues during this season of life, and have the ability to grow in my position regardless of where we move to next has been a win-win for me.
Patty, we are so grateful to have you on our team. Thank you for all you do!
